Writing Magazine

The saying goes that “everyone has a story in them” and it’s the mission of Writing Magazine to help you get yours out. Brought to you by real experts who know what it takes to improve your writing or get published, this monthly magazine is a must-have for all writers. Whether you write fiction, poetry, drama, children’s books, non-fiction or anything else, each issue features tips, practical exercises and real-life advice, that will not only help you get all that creativity onto the paper but also, get your name and profile out into the industry. With writing masterclasses from professionals, industry news, events listings, competitions where you can submit your work for fantastic prizes and real paid writing opportunities, Writing Magazine has everything you need to hone and improve your talents.

WELCOME

The world of writing • Covers get good, words get good, words get bad and words get really really bad – your monthly roundup of all the lit tattle from Miscellany Manors

Writing Magazine

STAR LETTER

A high price to pay • Be careful about demonising real people in writing because libel clauses exist for a very good reason, says Piers Blofeld

Beat sheet or cheat sheet? • Prescriptive plotting or supporting structure? Gary Dalkin and Sophie Beal take opposing sides about story formula guides with a detailed look at the successful Save the Cat! series

CRIMINAL mastermind • Gillian McAllister plays with morals, timelines and structure in her bestselling crime novels. Tina Jackson learns how she does it.

Did it my way • Crime-writing star LJ Ross describes how, and why, she decided to self-publish and take control of her bestselling writing career

How to market your book: TOP TIPS • Useful advice on promoting your book from Cornerstones’ Becky Hunter

Scott Kershaw • Determination and an inspirational teacher set the new author on track to achieve a win with his debut thriller, The Game

PICK UP stitches • Cast on with these knitting-related creative writing exercises from Jenny Alexander

WIN! £500 • IN CASH PRIZES & PUBLICATION

The Ballad Of Cosmic Dave

MIND THE STOP GAP • Adrian Magson draws attention to a useful device for surprising your readers

SHELF LIFE • Bestselling thriller author Jack Jordan choses his top five books that ratchet up the tension

Your writing critiqued

Editorial calendar • Strong forward planning will greatly improve your chances with freelance submissions. Here are some themes to consider for the coming months.

Elementary my dear writing group • Explore using the four elements creatively in these group exercises from Julie Phillips

CIRCLES’ ROUNDUP • If your writing group would like to feature here, whether you need new members, have an event to publicise or to suggest tips for other groups, email Tina Jackson, tjackson@warnersgroup.co.uk

SUBSCRIBERS’ NEWS

SMALL AND SUPER SWEET • Amy Sparkes talks to three writers about the advantages of going indie

Stuck IN THE MIDDLE • Margaret James offers sound advice for writers struggling at the mid-point of a manuscript

Five quick questions 5 • with Evonne Wareham

MAN AND MACHINE • Helen M Walters explores the relationships between humans and technology in fiction, with a short story by Ambrose Bierce

TO BOLDLY (AND QUICKLY) GO • Alex Davis wraps up his short specfic series with a guide to writing great science fiction short stories

Wide open wordsmiths • The winners of WM’s Open Poetry Competition show the power of a poem to make readers see in a different way, says judge Alison Chisholm

STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTES • Alison Chisholm explores a poet’s process of putting together a collection

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